What Role Does Motive Play in a Murder Case?

 Posted on September 17, 2024 in Criminal Law

Many people have heard the word "motive" in the context of murder cases from movies and TV shows like Law and Order. In these productions, motive is often portrayed as a critical element in a murder investigation. "Establishing motive" is seen as a make-or-break requisite for achieving a murder conviction.

But does this portrayal accurately affect reality? What is motive and what role does it actually play in a homicide case?

In this article, we will discuss what motive is and how it can affect a murder conviction. If you or a loved one have been accused of murder, contact an Illinois homicide defense attorney to start building your defense.

What Is Motive?

Motive is best described as the reason for a crime. It is usually based on an event or string of events leading up to the crime that explains why the defendant would have wanted to harm the victim. It provides a reason for why the crime happened.

However, motive does not "prove" a crime and a prosecutor does not need to show motive. Instead, the prosecution needs to show there was intent to commit the offense. Intent means the conscious decision to commit a crime and it is one of the elements of a murder offense under the law. Without it, a defendant might be convicted of manslaughter at worst, which carries lighter sentences than first-degree murder.

What Role Does Motive Play in a Murder Trial?

If motive is not required for a homicide conviction, why is it brought up at all in a murder trial? Prosecutors establish motive because it creates a narrative for the jury. Proving the defendant had intent to murder is necessary, but establishing motive shows why he or she decided to kill the victim. It makes the prosecution’s case stronger.

Importantly, motive also serves to weaken the defense. If the defendant tries to plead self-defense, for example, motive can convince a jury that it was premeditated.

What Motives Do Prosecutors Look for in Murder Cases?

When looking to show a jury why a murder happened, prosecutors will search for clues that the defendant was motivated by:

• Jealousy: The accused may have murdered the victim out of jealousy over a lover or ex-lover, which is referred to as a crime of passion.
• Revenge: The defendant may have killed the victim out of revenge for an insult or action the victim took. 
• Money: The accused may have committed the act because he or she stood to gain financial benefits from the victim’s death, such as an inheritance.
• Cover-up: The defendant may have murdered the victim to cover up a crime.

Contact a Rolling Meadows, IL Murder Defense Attorney

Motive is one of many significant factors that can determine a conviction. To make sure you have the strongest possible defense, contact Hartsfield Law. We work aggressively to protect our clients, and we are ready to create a legal defense against your charges. Schedule a free consultation with a Chicago, IL criminal defense lawyer by calling 312-345-1700 today.